Proposed State Budget and WBGO

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine is proposing a major funding cut to the state arts council, which will mean a 30 percent cut in funding for non-profit WBGO.

The proposal calls for an overall $5.9 million cut to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, which will bring funding levels to their lowest level since 2004. Arts leaders across the state say the cuts will further endanger their already economically-struggling theaters, museums and organizations.

Funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts represents almost 15 percent fo WBGO's annual budget.  The proposed cuts would reduce WBGO's grant by $75,000 (30 percent).

These funding cuts threaten the services and content that WBGO provides. "We'll do what we have to do to convince the governor that the arts deserve more, were, in fact, promised more, and should get it," said Cephas Bowles, General Manager of WBGO. "As it looks now, I'm afraid that we are likely to see our state grant decrease."

At WBGO, we are committed to working with fellow public broadcasters and the arts community to raise awareness about the importance of this government support and to remind you how invaluable your support is to us. We encourage you to have a voice in the future of this station. Visit www.artpridenj.com and click the flashing "Action Alert" button. In the NJ Arts & History section, you can take the opportunity to address NJ State Assembly and Senate candidates. Your completed letters will be e-mailed to the selected State House leaders. Have your voice heard, and help restore state cultural funding.

We thank you for your continued support.